Virgin Australia passenger removed following wheelchair aid dispute

Shane Hryhorec, a South Australian disability advocate and travel blogger, was removed from a Virgin flight departing from Sydney following a dispute regarding the storage of his mobility equipment.

Hryhorec, who is a C5 incomplete quadriplegic, reported that the conflict arose over a battery-powered SmartDrive wheel used to propel his wheelchair. He stated that the device could not be safely stored under the seat in front of him due to its omni-directional rollers and the specific design of the business class seating.

According to Hryhorec, airline staff presented him with a choice: attempt to place the device under the seat, which he deemed impossible, or disembark the aircraft. The incident left him waiting at the airport for several hours with his service dog.